If you’ve ever stumbled upon a sweet, rich, and utterly comforting loaf in a friend’s kitchen, chances are you’ve experienced the magic of the Amish Friendship Bread Recipe. This classic treat is more than just bread; it’s a heartwarming story of sharing and community baked into every bite. With its moist crumb, cinnamon-spiced sweetness, and a texture that feels like a cozy hug, this loaf is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or anytime you want a little taste of home. Let me take you through everything you need to whip up this beloved Amish Friendship Bread Recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating this wonderful Amish Friendship Bread Recipe starts with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that work together to deliver incredible flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role—whether it’s the yeast giving the bread its gentle rise, or the cinnamon and pudding mix infusing warmth and moisture.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base ingredient that forms the dough’s structure and provides a tender crumb.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the rich flavors in the bread.
- 1 cup warm milk (around 110°F/43°C): Activates the yeast and moistens the batter for a soft texture.
- 1 package active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): The leavening agent essential for the dough to rise and become airy.
- 1 cup Amish Friendship Bread starter: The secret ingredient that brings unique flavor and tradition to the recipe.
- 3 eggs: Provide richness and help bind the ingredients perfectly.
- 1 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist without weighing it down.
- 1/2 cup milk: Adds extra moisture and helps with the bread’s softness.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a subtle sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Additional flour for the batter for a well-balanced texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar (extra): Used with cinnamon to create that unforgettable spicy sweetness.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and depth to the bread’s flavor profile.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances other flavors.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Provides lift in addition to the yeast’s rise for a light loaf.
- 1 box instant vanilla pudding mix (5.1 ounces): Adds richness and a velvety, moist crumb.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for topping): Sweet topping for a beautiful finish.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for topping): For that final touch of warm spice on the crust.
How to Make Amish Friendship Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Starter
The foundation of the Amish Friendship Bread Recipe lies in its starter, which is a lively, bubbly mixture that ferments and develops the bread’s unique flavor. If you’re lucky enough to have a friend pass one to you, you’re all set; otherwise, you can make your own starter by combining flour, sugar, milk, and yeast, then letting it sit at room temperature—and don’t forget to feed it regularly! This process might take about 5 days, but trust me, the depth of taste it creates is well worth the wait.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
Once your starter is ready, it’s time to combine it with eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla. Mix the wet ingredients thoroughly before gradually folding in the dry ingredients, including flour, sugar, cinnamon, salt, baking powder, and the magical instant pudding mix. This combination ensures your bread turns out moist, flavorful, and perfectly spiced each time.
Step 3: Let the Batter Rise
After mixing, give your batter some time to rise. Simply cover the bowl with a clean towel and leave it in a warm spot for about an hour, allowing the yeast and baking powder to work their magic. This step creates that beautiful lightness and airiness you want in every slice.
Step 4: Bake the Bread
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two loaf pans by greasing them lightly. Pour the batter evenly into the pans and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar topping generously over each loaf. Bake for approximately 60 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point will be irresistible!
How to Serve Amish Friendship Bread Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Amish Friendship Bread Recipe presentation even sweeter, consider garnishing with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vanilla glaze. Fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or a dollop of whipped cream can also add a lovely contrast to the warm cinnamon flavors. These simple toppings elevate each slice into an inviting treat.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs beautifully with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a cozy morning or afternoon snack. You might also serve it alongside fresh scrambled eggs or yogurt with honey for a balanced breakfast. Its sweet and spicy notes make it versatile enough to enchant any meal or moment.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not slice the bread and use it to make decadent cinnamon French toast? Or cut it into cubes and toast for a crunchy snack or salad topping. You can even turn leftovers into a bread pudding for a delicious second act. The Amish Friendship Bread Recipe truly invites creativity once you get to know its flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Amish Friendship Bread, no worries! Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the crust tender and the crumb moist, perfect for enjoying all week long.
Freezing
Want to keep your bread fresh for longer? Wrap your loaves tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. They’ll keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready, simply thaw overnight in the fridge, and your bread will be just like fresh.
Reheating
To bring out that just-baked charm, gently warm your slices in a toaster oven or microwave. A quick 15-20 seconds in the microwave or a few minutes in a low oven will refresh the bread’s softness and aroma beautifully. Add a pat of butter for an extra indulgent touch.
FAQs
What is Amish friendship bread starter?
The starter is a bubbly, fermented mixture of flour, sugar, milk, and yeast that serves as the base for the Amish Friendship Bread Recipe. It lends flavor and texture and is often passed from friend to friend, creating a sweet tradition.
Can I make Amish Friendship Bread without the starter?
While the starter is key to the authentic taste, you can replicate the bread by combining yeast, flour, sugar, and milk to create a homemade version. However, using the starter brings a unique tang and community spirit that is hard to beat.
How long does Amish Friendship Bread keep fresh?
Freshly baked Amish Friendship Bread stays moist and delicious at room temperature for about three days when stored properly in an airtight container.
Can I add nuts or fruit to this bread?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even dried fruits like raisins or cranberries are wonderful additions that can enhance texture and flavor without overpowering the classic recipe.
Is Amish Friendship Bread sweet or savory?
This bread is sweet, spiced with cinnamon and vanilla, and often enjoyed as a dessert or sweet breakfast. Its moist texture and mild sweetness make it a comforting indulgence anytime.
Final Thoughts
Making the Amish Friendship Bread Recipe is like joining a centuries-old tradition of friendship and hospitality, all wrapped up in a delicious loaf. Whether you’re sharing it with a neighbor or savoring it yourself, the warmth and sweetness baked into this bread is unforgettable. So grab your starter, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the joy that comes from baking and sharing this truly special bread.
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Amish Friendship Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 2 loaves
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Amish Friendship Bread is a sweet, moist, and tender quick bread with a rich cinnamon and vanilla flavor, made from a unique starter that adds depth and a delightful texture. This recipe produces two loaves, perfect for sharing or storing for later enjoyment. The bread is known for its distinct flavor from the combination of cinnamon, vanilla pudding mix, and the traditional Amish starter, making it a comforting treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Starter Dough
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup warm milk (around 110°F/43°C)
- 1 package active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1 cup Amish Friendship Bread starter
Batter
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 box instant vanilla pudding mix (5.1 ounces)
Cinnamon Sugar Topping
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the Starter: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, warm milk at about 110°F (43°C), and active dry yeast. Add 1 cup of Amish Friendship Bread starter to this mixture. Stir well to incorporate all ingredients into a smooth starter dough. Cover and let it ferment at room temperature until bubbly and doubled in size, usually 24 hours or as per your starter’s instructions.
- Mix the Batter: In another large bowl, beat 3 eggs thoroughly. Add 1 cup vegetable oil, 1/2 cup milk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until combined. Then add 2 cups flour, 1 cup sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, and the entire box of instant vanilla pudding mix. Blend all ingredients well to form a consistent batter.
- Incorporate the Starter: Once the starter is ready, blend it into the batter mixture. Stir carefully to combine the starter evenly into the batter without deflating the yeast bubbles.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two loaf pans or line them with parchment paper. Pour the batter evenly into the pans.
- Add Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Mix 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the top of the batter in each loaf pan to create a flavorful crust once baked.
- Bake the Bread: Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the loaves to cool in the pans for about 10-15 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Slice and enjoy your delicious Amish Friendship Bread!
Notes
- The Amish Friendship Bread starter is crucial to this recipe; if you don’t have one, consider making or obtaining a starter a few days in advance.
- Make sure the milk used for the starter is warm but not hot to activate the yeast without killing it.
- You can store the finished bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze slices for longer storage.
- For variations, consider adding nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips to the batter before baking.
- This recipe produces two loaves, which is perfect for sharing with friends or gifting, keeping with the traditional friendship bread ethos.
